Sometimes, car accident injuries are severe enough to cause death. If you or your family members are involved in an automobile accident and a death occurs, you may be wondering whether funeral expenses are covered by your insurance company. To learn more about death and funeral benefits, keep reading.
Are death and funeral benefits covered by my insurance company?
The short answer is yes: death and funeral benefits will be covered by your insurance company through your statutory accident benefits coverage. Accident benefits is a mandatory insurance policy all motor vehicle owners must purchase. So how does this work? In the event you've been in a car accident and a death or injuries have occurred, accident benefits will provide coverage for the following:
Medical expenses
Whether it be you, your passengers, or a pedestrian involved, your insurer will ensure all medical expenses are paid for. Medical bills can add up quickly following a collision, which is why this insurance coverage is legally required, as it helps injured persons recover from their injuries without worrying about costs, regardless of who is at fault for the collision.
Funeral expenses
Now, when it comes to the deceased, your insurer will pay what is known as a death benefit to any person(s) who dies as the result of a motor vehicle crash, should the death occur within 180 days of the accident.
With that in mind, if someone dies in a car accident, the insurance coverage will provide a lump sum payment. The amount and how it's distributed depend on whether the beneficiary is a spouse or a dependent:
Spouse
If your spouse has died as a result of an accident, you will receive a lump sum of $25,000 under the death and funeral benefits policy. With this money, you can cover funeral bills and other burial costs.
Dependants
For any other dependant, the death benefit is a payment of $10,000 per dependent. However, if the insured person has purchased additional or optional benefits, the insured person's dependants may be eligible for additional death and funeral benefits.
Further, if the insured person does not have a spouse, the dependents of the deceased will receive an additional payment of $25,000, which will be divided equally among each person.
Common causes of car accidents in Canada
In Canada, car accidents happen every day. So, what is the most common cause of collisions? Below, we've outlined the main causes of car accidents:
- Distracted driving.
- Driving above the speed limit.
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- Aggressive driving habits.
- Driving while being tired.
- Poor weather conditions.
- Running a red or yellow light.
- Failing to stop at a stop sign.
- Driving near road hazards like potholes.
Okay, but what about highways? What is the major cause of highway accidents? As you may have guessed, the common causes of highway accidents are distracted driving, speeding, and being under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
What body parts hit first in a collision?
You may be wondering what body parts hit first in a collision. Truth is, it depends on the type of accident you're in. For example, if you're involved in a rear-end collision, you'll likely feel an impact on your head, neck, and spine. In contrast, a head-on collision puts the entire front part of your body at risk of injuries.
Ultimately, no matter what type of accident you're in, knowing how to identify common injuries is essential to ensuring you're able to get sufficient and prompt medical attention. While a personal injury may not seem severe at first, it's always important that you get assessed by a medical professional following an accident to err on the side of caution. Also, remember to have the right car insurance in place.
Protect yourself in the event of a car accident with these insurance policies Beyond accident benefits insurance, there are numerous other types of auto insurance available to ensure you're protected while behind the wheel. While some are mandatory, others are optional and meant to supplement standard coverage options for additional protection:
Will a single-vehicle collision affect my car insurance?
A single-vehicle collision is a type of car accident that occurs when only one vehicle is involved. Unlike other types of car accidents that involve numerous other vehicles, a single-vehicle collision does not involve anyone but the driver of the motor vehicle in question. Most of the time, the driver is at fault for the damage. So, will a single-car collision affect your auto insurance? The short answer is yes. Because you're likely to be held liable for any damages, your insurance company will need to increase your premiums. Luckily, if you have collision coverage, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs.
What to do if I was hit by a car as a pedestrian?
If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, the first thing you need to do is remain calm and assess yourself for injuries. If you are able to, you'll need to contact the police for medical assistance or have someone call on your behalf. Next, take as many photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. Additionally, you'll need to get a copy of the driver's contact information. Once you have been assessed for injuries, you will need to call your insurance company and inform them of the accident.
Contact BrokerLink for affordable car insurance
Unsure what the difference is between collision vs. comprehensive? Looking to purchase multiple auto insurance policies? Want to know more about common car accidents in Canada? Whatever your insurance needs may be, the experienced brokers from BrokerLink have got you covered.
Accidents can happen at any time, which is why BrokerLink is dedicated to helping Canadians find affordable insurance that they can feel confident in. To work with a broker from our team, feel free to visit us at one of our many locations across the country! If we aren't in your neighbourhood, you can contact us over the phone. And, if you're browsing for policies, you can get a free, competitive insurance quote at your convenience, right for your phone!
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